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Full Sun
1-2 ft./yr Growth
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GrowScripts Citrus Tree Care Kit
+ $19
Premium Potting Mix
Nutrient-rich blend for healthy growth
+ $19
Ray Ruby Grapefruit Tree Information
About The Ray Ruby Grapefruit Tree
Ray Ruby is the grapefruit for people who think they don't like grapefruit. A refined selection in the Ruby Red lineage, it pushes the flavor past the old bitter, mouth-puckering reputation into something genuinely sweet-tart and juicy, with flesh that ripens to a striking deep red — and, crucially, stays that way. Where many "red" grapefruits fade to pink and pale as the season wears on, Ray Ruby is prized for its color retention, holding rich blushing rind and ruby interior long after others have washed out. The large, heavy fruit is nearly seedless, so every spoonful is clean flesh, not a hunt for pips.
Why You'll Love It:
- Deep red flesh that stays red. Superior pigment stability means the interior keeps its dramatic color through the harvest window instead of bleaching to pale pink like older red varieties.
- Sweet-tart, not bitter. Lower bitterness and balanced acidity give it a bright, refreshing flavor that wins over people who grew up disliking grapefruit.
- Few to no seeds. Easy to halve and spoon, segment for salads, or juice without straining out a mouthful of seeds.
- Large, heavy, generous fruit. Big globes with thick juice content — one fruit goes a long way at breakfast or in the kitchen.
- Loves heat. Sustained warmth is exactly what drives its sugars up; in hot-summer regions it rewards you with peak sweetness most citrus can't reach.
Your plant may arrive in a grower Citra-pot. See our simple repotting guide & pot sizing tips here.
Ray Ruby Grapefruit Tree Details
Mature Height:
12-15 ft.
Mature Width:
8-10 ft.
Sunlight:
Full Sun
Growth Rate:
Moderate
Harvest Time:
Winter to Spring
Botanical Name:
Citrus x Paradisi 'Ray Ruby'
Grows Well In Zones:
3-11 patio / 9-11 outdoors
Does Not Ship To:
AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY
Watering Requirements
Water newly planted trees weekly, providing 1-2 inches of water. Once established, reduce watering frequency but ensure deep watering when you do water, especially during fruit development and dry periods.
Sunlight Requirements
Thrives in full sun, needing at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily to produce abundant fruit. Tolerates some light shade, but excessive shading can lead to weak growth, fewer blossoms, and reduced fruit yield.
Humidity Requirements
Grapefruit loves humidity just as much as they love the sun, thriving best when levels are around 50–60%, though they are resilient enough to handle levels as low as 40% without much fuss. The easiest way to keep your tree comfortable indoors is with a humidifier, which creates a consistent 'microclimate' of moist air that helps your plant thrive year-round.
Pet-Friendly Plant?
No, use caution when placing this plant in homes with pets.
Is the Ray Ruby grapefruit tree self-fertile?
Yes, the Ray Ruby is completely self-fertile (self-pollinating). A single tree will successfully produce fruit on its own. If you are overwintering the tree indoors, you can maximize your fruit set by gently shaking the branches or using a small paintbrush!
Can you grow a Ray Ruby grapefruit tree in a container?
Yes, Ray Ruby grapefruit trees thrive in 12- to 20-gallon potted containers with good drainage, especially when grafted on dwarf rootstocks. If you live outside USDA Zones 9–11, keep the pot on a rolling plant caddy to easily move it indoors before winter frosts.
All of our plants ship in premium packaging for zero damage on arrival. Here’s what you can expect in your box on arrival:
Your Ray Ruby Grapefruit Tree
Fully rooted in a nursery pot with soil intact
Custom Protection System
Corner guards, soil stabilizer, and branch sleeves keep it secure
Pre-Watered & Ready
Each plant is watered 24 hours before it is shipped
Care Instructions Card
Includes expert-curated care tips to help your plant thrive far beyond the first 30 days.
Perfect For Gifting
No pricing or packing slips included with gifts! Just the plant and a note.
Additional Resources
- Video: Workshop Tutorial 1
- Video: Workshop Tutorial 2
- Video: Workshop Tutorial 3
- Citrus Tree Care Guide
- How to Prune Citrus Trees
- How to Pollinate Citrus Trees
- How to Harvest Citrus Trees
- Patio Gardening 101: Growing in Containers
Citrus Tree Care Guide
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How to Prune Citrus Trees
Pruning citrus trees is an essential practice for maintaining tree health, and improving fruit production. While it may seem intimidating, pruning is relatively simple when you follow a few key...
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How to Pollinate Citrus Trees
Pollination plays a crucial role in the life cycle of citrus trees, ensuring they produce those juicy, vibrant fruits we love. In this article, we'll guide you on how citrus...
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How to Harvest Citrus Trees
Harvesting citrus trees requires knowing the right time to pick for the best flavor and quality, with each variety having its peak season. Below we share best practices on harvesting...
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Patio Gardening 101: Growing in Containers
If you’ve ever dreamed of having a lush garden but lack a sprawling backyard, don’t worry—patio gardening is the perfect solution! In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essentials...
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Why Choose The Sill?
Not all Ray Ruby Grapefruit Trees are created equal
Greenhouse Grown
Not warehouse-held. Hand-picked and cared for by our experts.
Outdoor Ready
Pre-conditioned for outdoor growth.
Hand-Selected
Inspected by experts. Only our best ship out.
30-Day Guarantee
Free replacements if not happy and healthy.